Scouting Report: Iowa State’s quarterback conundrum will work in favor for Baylor’s defense

On the line: If either the Bears or Cyclones want to play in a bowl game, they’ll have to take care of business in this game. Clawing their way out of a 4-conference loss hole may be too much considering how deep the Big 12 conference is. Both teams still have to play Oklahoma and multiple ranked opponents on their schedules.

When Baylor has the ball: This Baylor offense has been as efficient as any offense has been this season. The Bears have five 1-possession touchdowns and has scored 45 points in nine of its last 10 games. Baylor has gone up against some tough defenses this season, but that hasn’t stopped the team from scoring points. In terms of points per game, Iowa State only gives up around 19 per game. But this Baylor offense can only be contained, not stopped. Iowa State head coach Paul Rhoads said his team was going to take away the run and make the Bears pass first. Not too sure how that’ll work out for the Cyclones seeing that Baylor leads the nation in passing yards per game.

When Iowa State has the ball: In Iowa State’s three losses this season, the team has a combined seven turnovers with two of those losses having multiple turnovers. In the games the Cyclones have won, the turnovers haven’t improved much. Nine turnovers in the four wins have totaled in 16 turnovers on the year. When the Baylor defense forces multiple turnovers in the Phil Bennett-era, the team is 11-0. However, the Bears have not forced a turnover in three straight games. The Bears are giving up nearly 65 percent of third downs to opponents this season, so turnovers have been one of the few ways the defense has been able to get the opposing team off the field without giving up a score. Whoever the starting quarterback is for Iowa State, if the turnovers are limited, the Cyclones will have a good shot at defeating Baylor.

Prediction: Both teams are desperate for a win. A slight edge will be in Baylor’s favor since Iowa State doesn’t have a starting quarterback. Even though Baylor’s defense can’t stop much this year, the Cyclones’ inconsistencies will be enough for the Bears to win. Prediction: Baylor 52 Iowa State 38